Five Years Clear

Five years clear. The cancer benchmark. The coveted destination of hopefully being free and clear of relapse or reoccurring disease. What a great feeling it is after all of the mental and physical pain a diagnosis of cancer brings. I’m reminded of the song, “What a Wonderful World”. How both sides of the cancer coin bring those beautiful words into play. In the beginning of your journey, you realize that nothing really matters to you but the wonderful and beautiful things in your life and what our world has to offer. A glorious sunny sky, colorful flowers and trees, bug’s and butterflies, beaches and backyard Bar-B-Q’s. Spiders, snakes and roaches…not so much. LoL. Everyday that you wake up and move on with your life is so special. Your partner, your kids, your family, your friends. Can’t imagine not being there, can you? Then comes that eternal hope. That five year mark on your calender. The other side of the ” What a Wonderful World” coin. You’ve made it! We made it! A wonderful world feeling that seemed like an eternity to reach. Feeling comfort in knowing you may safely continue to participate in life. Finally!

It originally took me nine years to reach my benchmark. Four more years to lose it. Another five more years to make it, then three more years to lose it again. That was five years ago. So, here we are again. This April, 2023, makes five years since my last relapse. Exciting right? Well, for starters, my five year benchmarks are really not true benchmarks. My remission is based on the reality that my cancer is still active, never fully cured. It’s been that way since 1999 when my first relapse sent me for a loop only two and a half years after my bone marrow transplant. Since then, my remission is chemotherapy induced and relapses are due to changes in the status of how the daily medication remains active in preventing my Leukemia from recurring yet again. Please, don’t get me wrong. This five year anniversary is special. They all are. And I’m still here. It’s hope and pessimism wrapped up in one emotion. I still love that song though. Every day I’ll find the good, the great, the beautiful and the wonderful. No matter what.

For every cancer survivor that has reached the coveted five year anniversary free and clear, I applaud your accomplishment. I hope that you all remain cancer free and live long beautiful, meaningful, healthy lives. Be vigilant. Be smart. Make sure that you follow up with your doctor appointments, bloodwork, scans and tests. Realize that down the road, the after effects of major chemotherapy and varied cancer treatments can or may cause other health issues. Again, be vigilant and above all else, be humble. Always remember that for all of those that make that five year moment, there are just as many cancer warriors who weren’t as lucky. Cherish your survivor status and remember what it took to get there. Also, remember that there are no guarantees. Believe me…I know. My next appointment for bloodwork is in two weeks. Fingers crossed.

Next Up: The Results